Page 37 of Phoenix

And I nearly fall over laughing.

We make our way back to the table, shakes in hand, and find Nora and Amelia laughing as well.

“Do we want to know?” I ask, taking my seat.

“No, you really don’t want to.”

“Your disgusting concoction,” I say, passing her shake to her.

“What do you have against it anyway?” she asks.

“It’s the peanut butter. It doesn’t belong. It’s just...nut butter. Who wants nut butter?” I take a sip of my shake. “Mmm. See. Classic chocolate. You can’t go wrong.”

“Me. I want nut butter,” Nora responds, ignoring the snickers coming from the peanut gallery across from us, pun definitely intended. “And this has chocolate, too. Best of both worlds. Try.” She offers me her cup.

“Nah, I think I’ll stick with mine.”

“Oh, come on, you stubborn ass. Taste the nut butter.” She smiles sweetly and shakes her cup.

“You’re lucky you’re adorable.” I swipe the cup from her and take a sip.

It’s fucking delicious.

How long can I pretend to ponder before I have to admit it?

“Well?” She tilts her head to the side and pushes a stray hair behind her ear.

“Hold on. I just need one more sip to really judge.” I try to take another but she yanks it away.

“Don’t hog my delicious drink, and I told you! I knew you’d like it!”

Oh, Nora, I’d like anything you gave me. Anything at all.

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